September 12, 2008
San Francisco, California — On Thursday, September 11, 2008, Judge William Alsup of the US District Court for the Northern District of California granted class certification in a disability rights action in which plaintiffs argue that the Social Security Administration (SSA) fails to provide its communications in alternative formats that would enable people with visual impairments to have equal access to SSA programs as required by federal disability civil rights laws and the US Constitution.
Press Releases
Have it Your Way at Burger King? Not if You Use a Wheelchair
September 10, 2008
The lawsuit, Castaneda v. Burger King Corporation, was filed on behalf of thousands of wheelchair- and scooter-using Burger King customers who face a series of unnecessary physical barriers at the fast food restaurants in California, including inaccessible dining areas, parking lots and restrooms; narrow or steep sidewalks or ramps; and queue lines that are too narrow for wheelchairs. The lawsuit asks the federal court for an injunction to require the fast food giant to remove these barriers and fix the discriminatory practices.
Judge Rules Social Security Administration Must Accommodate Blind Beneficiaries
April 24, 2008
San Francisco, California — On Wednesday, April 23, 2008, Judge William Alsup of the US District Court for the Northern District of California ruled that the US Social Security Administration (SSA) must accommodate the real and legitimate needs of people with visual impairments who receive benefits from SSA. The agency is required under the Rehabilitation Act and the due process clause, the ruling states, to provide communications in formats that are accessible to these beneficiaries.
Settlement of San Francisco Lawsuit to Create New Community Services for Seniors and Adults With Disabilities
November 27, 2007
San Francisco, California — Mitch Katz, San Francisco's director of public health, announced today that a preliminary settlement has been reached in the civil rights class action regarding expanded community-based living options for seniors and people with disabilities in San Francisco (Chambers et al. v. the City and County of San Francisco). The results will be improved coordination of care and greatly increased housing options and other services. The new program, called "Success at Home" will provide people with "a single door to independent living," said Katz. "We are very pleased to be taking this innovative next step."
Children With Diabetes Win Assurance of Legally-Required Services at School
August 8, 2007
Oakland, CA–State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell joined representatives of the American Diabetes Association (ADA) today to announce a landmark agreement that ensures California students who are classified as disabled because of diabetes will be safe at school and enjoy the same legally-required educational opportunities as their peers. The agreement clarifies the rights of eligible students with diabetes in every school district throughout the state.
Children With Diabetes Win Assurance of Legally-Required Services at School
August 8, 2007
Oakland, California — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell joined representatives of the American Diabetes Association (ADA) today to announce a landmark agreement that ensures California students who are classified as disabled because of diabetes will be safe at school and enjoy the same legally-required educational opportunities as their peers. The agreement clarifies the rights of eligible students with diabetes in every school district throughout the state.
Laguna Honda Press Materials
October 14, 2006
See the list of materials:
Laguna Honda Press Release
October 13, 2006
San Francisco, California — Six residents of Laguna Honda Hospital, joined by the Independent Living Resource Center (ILRCSF) in San Francisco, filed a class-action lawsuit, Mark Chambers et al. v. City and County of San Francisco, in federal court to challenge San Francisco's discriminatory actions resulting in their unnecessary confinement at Laguna Honda Hospital, a more than 1,000- bed nursing facility owned and operated by the City. The plaintiffs are capable of, and would prefer to live in their own homes or in the community.
24 Hour Fitness Welcomes Patrons with Disabilities
December 13, 2005
Through an amicable collaboration, the Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund, Inc. ("DREDF") and 24 Hour Fitness have reached consensus regarding issues concerning access for patrons with disabilities at 24 Hour Fitness clubs. The gym chain has confirmed its long-standing commitment to comply with disability rights laws by making reasonable modifications to club policies to enable people with disabilities to participate in fitness activities.
Blind Beneficiaries Sue Social Security Administration
November 16, 2005
SSA Fails to Provide Accessible Communications
The American Council of the Blind and a group of individuals who are blind or have vision impairments today filed a class action lawsuit against the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA), alleging that the agency fails to provide the most basic accommodations to its blind applicants and beneficiaries.